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Free Press Not Permitted

The Malaysian government shuts down an opposition newspaper.

Updated July 6, 2010 12:01 a.m. ET

Many a national leader secretly wishes he had the power to shut down troublesome newspapers at will. But in most democratic countries, it is unacceptable for politicians to voice such a desire, let alone act on it. Except in Malaysia.

The Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein is threatening to physically close down the offices of Suara Keadilan if it publishes today. That's the weekly paper of the Keadilan opposition party led by Anwar Ibrahim. The paper's permit expired on June 30, and the Home Ministry declined to renew it.